Mahmood Awan is a prominent Punjabi poet, essayist, literary critic and The News on Sunday Columnist. He is an award-winning author of three books of Punjabi poetry; Raat Samundar Khed (Let’s play with the night sea; 2002), Veeni Likhia Din (A day etched at her wrist; 2012) and Sejal (Dampness; 2017). He also co-edited a bilingual, tri-scripted (Shahmukhi, Gurmukhi & English) book for Children titled “Fascinating Folktales of Punjab: Undivided Punjab Edition”. Awan was born in Padhrar (Khushab, Pakistan), he pursued his education at Govt. College Sargodha & the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, graduating as an Electrical Engineer. Currently, he resides in Dublin, Ireland.

An M.Phil (Post-Graduate; Pre-PhD) degree was awarded for Mahmood Awan’s poetry and literary contributions under a research dissertation titled: “Mahmood Awan di Punjabi Adab nu dain (Mahmood Awan’s contributions to the Punjabi Literature)” by University of the Punjab; Institute of Punjabi and Cultural Studies (Lahore, Pakistan) in 2023. While Awan’s poem Ni Maa’ay ( O’ Mother) is part of the B.SC Punjabi syllabus (4th Semester; Course Code: 2203) at the prestigious Govt. College Univeristy (GC) Lahore.

Mahmood Awan has emerged as an influential voice advocating for the preservation and promotion of the Punjabi language, literature, and heritage. Awan’s poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty, depth, philosophical undertones and profound exploration of human emotions, societal issues, cultural nostalgia, and spiritual quest for meaning. His essays critique the sociopolitical marginalization of Punjabi, addressing linguistic and cultural issues with a sharp intellectual lens.

Awan has been featured on numerous television and Radio channels including PTV & BBC. He participated in several International Literature Festivals and University conferences including sessions at Bradford Literature Festival, LUMS, SOAS (University of London), University of Sargodha, Govt. College University, Faisalabad, UET Lahore, SZABIST Islamabad and many others. Awan’s research papers on WW1, Punjab’s military service and Punjabi folklore were extensively quoted in media and international research publications including Cambridge University Press (UK).

Awan is well-versed in Gurmukhi script and his poetry has been part of magazines and poetry anthologies published in East Punjab (India). He translated number of international poets into Punjabi including Heaney, Cavafy, Ritsos, Carlos Drummond, Jaimie Sabeen, Ernesto Cardinal, Josef Hanzlik, Vladmiri Holan, Agha Shahid Ali and others

Beyond his literary contributions, Mahmood Awan is actively involved in promoting Punjabi as a vibrant and vital cultural force. He has worked to bring attention to the challenges faced by Punjabi speakers and writers, especially in regions where Punjabi is not given its due recognition.

Living in the diaspora, Awan bridges the gap between Punjabi communities around the world and their cultural roots. His work resonates with Punjabis living outside their homeland, offering them a sense of connection and identity. His literary activism inspires younger generations to embrace their linguistic heritage and recognize the richness of Punjabi literature & culture.